Article V, Section K
Requests for an Exceptional Ruling to a Standard Rule
Link to NAIA Bylaws
From time to time, institutions encounter unusual circumstances where applying the standard NAIA rules as written would create an unfair outcome for a student-athlete. To address those situations, the NAIA has a process for requesting an exception. This article explains what an exception request is, what it is not, the documentation required, and how the process works so that institutions can prepare and submit requests properly.
Process (full memo)
Click here for further information on requesting an exception to a standing rule based on a learning disability.
A request for an exception is a formal request from an NAIA member institution asking the National Eligibility Committee (NEC) to set aside a standard rule due to extenuating circumstances outside the student-athlete’s control.
The purpose is to ensure fairness when a student could not reasonably meet the bylaw requirements due to factors they could not prevent or fix. The institution must submit a complete and thorough packet with all supporting documentation.
Examples of qualifying situations include:
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Medically documented term withdrawal signed by a physician (MD/DO)
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Learning disability exceptions supported by IEP/504 documentation and testing
An exception is not a way to get around rules simply because:
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You disagree with the bylaw itself
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You believe the bylaw should not apply to a particular student
It is also not a substitute for personal choice, such as:
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Voluntary withdrawal (even for medical reasons) without physician certification from an MD/DO
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Taking a calculated risk in competition and later regretting the outcome
Requests must be based on extenuating circumstances that are outside the student-athlete’s control and unable to be rectified by the student or institution at the time.
The burden of proof is on the institution to provide compelling evidence. The NEC’s decision is discretionary, case-specific, and not guaranteed.
Successful and Not Successful Common Examples -
Medical withdrawal from a term
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Requires MD/DO verification and institutional approval
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Notes from a PA or NP alone are not sufficient
Learning disability exceptions
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Must include IEP/504 documentation, test scores, student narrative, and evidence of institutional accommodations
Season of competition (SOC) appeals
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SOC charged by another association (such as the NCAA) will be honored by the NAIA, and the 20 percent rule does not apply
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Exceeding the NAIA 20 percent competition limit cannot be appealed if the injury occurs after the threshold has been passed
A complete packet must include:
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NAIA Exception to Standard Rule Form with the bylaw cited
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All academic transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
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Supporting medical or learning disability documentation
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Student-athlete’s written narrative
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Documentation of institutional accommodations if applicable
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For medical cases: a signed statement from an MD/DO verifying the need for withdrawal
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Submitting the request
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FAR and AD submit the request to the eligibility chair
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Must include transcripts, the rule in question, and explanation for the exception
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Forwarding the request
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Eligibility chair sends the request to the NAIA National Office with a committee recommendation
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A copy is also sent to the conference or CAC commissioner
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Conference/CAC input
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The institution secures a recommendation from its conference or CAC when applicable
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This recommendation is forwarded to the National Office
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Final ruling
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NEC reviews the request and supporting materials through the NAIA staff liaison
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NEC issues the ruling
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The decision applies only to the specific case and does not create precedent
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Institutions may request exceptions when unusual, documented circumstances exist
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Requests must move through the process: FAR/AD → Eligibility Chair → Conference/CAC → National Office → NEC
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Students must be withheld from competition while a request is pending
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NEC decisions are final, case-by-case, and do not set precedent
